Washington, D.C. – Today the Obama Administration issued draft
language to establish the first-ever carbon pollution protections for new power
plants. Carbon pollution is the main
contributor to climate disruption and is linked to life-threatening air
pollution like smog – which triggers asthma attacks – making it a serious
hazard to Americans’ health and future. Once finalized, these protections will
ensure that new power plants will meet public health standards and protect
Americans from dangerous pollution.

In response, Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club,
issued the following statement:

“The Sierra Club applauds President
Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s announcement
today to establish new safeguards under the Clean Air Act to protect Americans
from dangerous carbon pollution. Their
action today follows the actions of thousands of families and activists over
the last several years to prevent 166 dirty coal plants from polluting their
communities, air and water.

“These first-ever carbon pollution standards for new power plants mean
that business as usual for the nation’s biggest sources of carbon pollution, dirty
coal-burning utilities, is over. Cleaning
up dangerous carbon pollution from new power plants and modernizing the way we
power our nation will help secure Americans’ health and future, and prevent
against life-threatening air pollutants like dirty soot, toxic mercury and smog.

“Most of all, these carbon pollution
protections mark the end of an era for antiquated, dirty coal plants and
continue the momentum behind clean energy to ensure healthier kids, families
and workers, as well as much-needed job creation and a more secure climate
future.”